Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea: Blues player ratings as the Magpies knock them out of the EFL Cup
Chelsea came second-best in their EFL Cup clash against Newcastle United, losing 2-0 away, on Tuesday, October 30. The Blues' defending was shambolic, wrapping up their poor performance with an own goal.
Chelsea dominated possession in the first half (64%), while Newcastle United were happy to let their visitors have the ball (36%). The Magpies were no slouches, though, as they were ruthless when they won the ball in the middle and final third.
This led to the first goal of the game through Alexander Isak in the 23rd minute. The Blues were trying to play out from the back, but Benoit Badiashile and Renato Veiga were on different wavelengths. Sandro Tonali intercepted the ball from Veiga's poor pass, which bounced perfectly for Isak. The striker powered his effort into the corner with aplomb to open the scoring.
Axel Disasi then scored an own-goal to double Newcastle's lead in the 26th minute. Isak's delivery into the area seemed too much of a threat for the Blues to deal with, as Joe Willock headed the ball towards goal, and Disasi managed to trip into the net with it.
The second half saw Newcastle United defend their lead, allowing Chelsea to hold 68% possession of the ball. However, they retained their attacking threat in transition, with the Blues unable to keep them out of the final third.
The game eventually ended 2-0, with Newcastle comfortably securing a win that saw the Blues provide little real threat, aside from a big Joao Felix chance.
Here are Chelsea's player ratings vs Newcastle
Filip Jorgensen - 5/10
The ball found the back of his net twice the night, but the scoreline could have been much worse. He made just one save.
Axel Disasi - 4/10
His own goal marked down a performance that might have been deemed as decent on a night where the Blues were second best. He did create two chances for his teammates in attack.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 5/10
He was an important part of Chelsea's possession game, as he helped recycle the ball frequently. His height was also an advantage as he won two aerial duels and made three headed clearances. However, he did not really have a standout performance.
Benoit Badiashile - 5/10
Like Adarabioyo, Badiashile helped circulate possession. However, he had a notable slip that might have led to a third goal for the Magpies at the cusp of half-time. He also lost three duels.
Marc Cucurella - 6/10
Working as an inverted full-back in the middle of the area, Cucurella frequently got into the final third as he helped Chelsea progress the ball. He was also strong at the back, winning five duels and making two tackles.
Enzo Fernandez - 6/10
The midfielder had an impressive 138 touches on the ball, as he tried to be a part of everything the Blues did on the day. However, he nearly lost the ball in his own penalty area, which might have worsened his side's ordeal.
Renato Veiga - 4/10
Playing in the defensive midfield role, Veiga failed to impress. His poor pass led to the first goal, and the only other notable thing he did was a shot from distance late in the game that forced a save from Newcastle's goalkeeper. He lost five duels and committed three fouls.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6/10
He was the only player that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca opted to substitute on the night, as his game finished in the 57th minute. He looked a bit lively at times, with two successful dribbles and winning all four of his duels.
Joao Felix - 6/10
He showed sparks of quality in the final third, taking six shots at goal. However, on another day, he might have scored a rather big chance, which ended up going just wide of the post.
Mykhailo Mudryk - 6/10
He caused problems for Newcastle as best as he could, as he got fouled four times and won eight duels on his left flank. However, the Magpies were successful in keeping him from tangibly impacting the game.
Christopher Nkunku - 6/10
As the striker on the day, Nkunku was expected to provide goals, but he failed, missing a big chance that could have helped Chelsea's cause. He was dispossessed twice and he struggled, losing six duels.
Substitute
Noni Madueke 5/10
There was little impact he provided on the night, as Newcastle managed to keep this Chelsea side at bay.